Barack Obama's Record and Opinion on Workers' Rights

Barack Obama will give American workers the attention and relief that they deserve.
Barack Obama will give American workers the attention and relief that they deserve.

 "It's time to turn the page for all those Americans who want nothing more than to have a job that can pay the bills and raise a family...let's finally allow our unions to do what they do best and lift up the middle-class in this country once more...we believe that if the majority of workers in a company want a union, they should get a union. We can do this." (Take Back America Conference, 6/19/07)

"If you’ve got the skills, you’ve got the education, and you have the opportunity to upgrade and improve both, you’ll be able to compete and win anywhere." (Knox College commencement, 6/4/05)

  • If elected, Barack Obama will help workers and their families in many important areas.  During the Republican administration tax cuts were reserved for the wealthy, but this will end if Barack Obama is President.  Obama will eliminate the income tax for most senior citizens and lower it substantially, if not entirely for middle and low income families.  Barack Obama's economic plan is aimed at relieving the financial burden placed on American workers.  American labor is a strong force, and Obama wants to work with unions to raise health and safety standards and create more high paying jobs. 
  • Retirement plans are not just for the rich, and Obama wants everyone to have the opportunity to save for their future. Obama also wants to make a law that requires all employers to offer their employees a retirement plan.  Automatic workplace pensions will help to ensure that the future of the American worker is a bright one.  
  • Clean technologies are another area where Obama wants the American worker to benefit.  He intends to set aside federal money to create jobs in the clean technologies industry.  This money will go to studies on renewable energy and other research and development projects. 
  • Obama feels that the best way to prepare an American worker for the future is through education.  A good education can open many doors for workers and make more jobs available to them.  Obama wants to create programs designed to teach American workers new trades and skills that will strengthen the United States' position as a global power.  
  • Barack Obama is the co-sponsor of the Employee Free Choice Act. This act will impose stiffer penalities for threatening workers attempting to organize. If the majority of employees in a company vote to join or create a union, the employer is legally obligated to recognize and bargain with that union.  If passed, the Employee Free Choice Act will restore the right to organize free of fear and intimidation.
  • Barack Obama is a friend of the labor movement and fights for workers rights.  Obama has been endorsed by several unions and has been loyal to the American worker when voting as an Illinois Senator.  Obama voted to raise the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. (S. Amdt. 44 to S. 256, vote number 2005-26, 3/7/05).  If elected President, Obama will raise the minimum wage again in order to make it possible for Americans to supply their families with basic necessities. 
  • Barack Obama supports the right to organize, collectively bargain and strike. Obama wants workers to be free to fight for their rights without fear of loss of employment.  Obama wants to make it illegal to permanently replace workers who have gone on strike.  
  • Barack Obama will pass the Fair Pay Act if elected President. This Act will end discrimination in the workplace.  Women and men will finally receive the same pay for the same job.  This is a huge step for the labor movement and for women and minorities around the country.

Click the links below to find out more about Barack Obama and Worker's Rights: 

  • Obama Supports Union Organizing - The Washington Post
  • To read the National AFL-CIO's summary of the Employee Free Choice Act, click HERE.  
  • Click HERE to read more about Obama and the Fair Pay Act - People For the American Way Press Release.
  • Click HERE to read Obama Supports Closing Pay Gap for Working Women - AFL-CIO Blog.